In the newest edition of The Grapevine (Winter 2011) Melbourne, Victoria.
“The Liquor Control Reform Amendment Act 2011
introduces a new offence for adults supplying alcohol
to a minor (a person under the age of 18 years) in
a private home without parental consent. The new
offence carries the same penalty that liquor licensees
face for supplying alcohol to a minor–a maximum fine
of more than $7000.
Any adult who intends to provide alcohol to a minor in
their home must now have the consent of the minor’s
parent(s) first. Consent can be provided verbally or in
writing, but the adult must be confident that it is given
by the minor’s parent or legal guardian.
The new laws aim to involve parents in the way in which
their children access alcohol. It is important for parents
to have a conversation with their children about the
dangers of alcohol abuse, which can cause serious
harm to brain development in adolescence.”
This has a massive effect on our customers that throw 18th birthday parties at home or in community halls if alcohol is available and consists of a massive liability on behalf of the hosts.
It’s a good time to think about whether you should have your event at a licensed premises (and let them take the liability) or to organise some kind of wristband system (although this is worthless if people swap drinks, which is pretty much inevitable).
Obviously we’re biased, but we know that having entertainment, whether it is one of our mobile DJs or bands or anything else for that matter means that there is a focus for the night other then just getting drunk.